We start off our activity blog with a simple yet super effective activity to get you out and into nature – finding colours. This really is something for all ages, in a family group or one your own, in the garden or further afield.
Looking for colours slows us down, focusses our attention on what is in front of us and is a classic mindfulness activity. It is easy (try and find something green!), leading to instant success, but can also be challenging (e.g. purple), and not all colours can potentially be found in any one place or any one walk.
Here are some ideas:
- Just take the sheet and see what you can find.
- Take a pencil or crayon to tick colours off.
- Write down what you have found and where, e.g. yellow – dandelion at bottom of garden, green – new hawthorn leaves by the swing. Older children can do this themselves, younger ones can dictate. If you don’t know what it is you can describe or draw it.
- Take a plant ID book to find out what you have found.
- If you have double-sided sticky tape, you can put some on or around the colours on the sheet and stick a sample what you have found on there (if that’s a plant, please only take a little where it is plentiful and not planted by someone, take a small piece only and make sure you don’t uproot it).
- Keep a sheet in your explorer backpack so you always have a back-up activity when you’re out on a walk and your little explorer has become tired.
Some children really like spotter sheets, some are not overly keen. Don’t force any activities but let them be springboards for chats or other activities that might develop from them. And don’t forget that you might still enjoy doing the activity even though your child might not (all of those who have been to our parent & toddler groups will know exactly what we mean).
So, here is your spotter sheet:
Please do share this activity and blog with anyone who might be interested. And remember to leave a comment here or on our Facebook page if would like to share what you have been up to, or simply to connect with us. Let this be a virtual community where we support each other!
Into Nature 